How a Melbourne Car Repair Shop Became a Stylish Coffee Spot

Melbourne’s coffee scene is famously exacting—but few cafes start life as a derelict auto garage. Yet that’s exactly the unlikely beginning for one of North Melbourne’s newest specialty coffee spots, a project that blends raw industrial bones with modern cafe functionality.

In a former car repair building in North Melbourne, Australian architecture firm ZWEI converted the space into a working coffee shop by opening the roof, arranging seating along the walls, and installing a full espresso setup—proving even the most industrial spaces can become inviting coffee destinations.

A Former Auto Workshop Finds New Life

The project began with a simple car repair building in North Melbourne. Though the exterior walls were badly weathered, the architects chose to preserve one original detail: the visible brickwork seams left after painting the walls white. Inside, a simple pastel mural adds a playful, childlike touch. The building’s weathered exterior contrasts with the calm, ventilated interior that’s now ideal for afternoon tea.

Industrial Meets Modern Café Design

ZWEI, an Australian interior design studio founded in 2006, specialises in retail and hospitality spaces. For this project, they installed a two-level wooden structure at the centre: the upper level serves as storage while the lower level holds an open service counter and preparation area. The seating wraps the walls, encouraging customers to linger. Natural light filters across warm-toned walls, merging industrial grit with contemporary minimalism.

Though the outside remains rough and weather-beaten, the interior feels bright and intentional. The design highlights the building’s original structure while adapting it for comfortable, long-term use as a cafe.

Code Black Coffee: A Brand with Edge

The cafe space is home to Code Black Coffee, a Melbourne-based roaster with a focus on dark artistic themes. Their logo—a smiling black skull adorned with flowers—shows their hip-hop-inspired identity. The brand curates high-quality beans directly from farms and takes pride in a clean, health-conscious image. The café’s decor includes mechanical elements that appeal to younger crowds, matching the brand’s edgy style.

While Starbucks struggles to gain traction in Melbourne’s discerning coffee market, Code Black Coffee stands out by offering a distinct aesthetic and carefully selected beans. The city’s coffee culture, shaped since the 1950s by Italian espresso traditions, favours expertise over chains—making originality essential for any new cafe.

About ZWEI Architects

ZWEI, established in 2006, has worked on numerous food and retail projects. Their temporary installation for Code Black Coffee at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo was shortlisted for the Eat Drink Design award. More of their work can be found at zwei.com.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original building before it became a coffee shop?

The building was originally a car repair workshop located in North Melbourne. Its exterior was badly weathered, but the architects preserved the brickwork seams visible after painting the walls white.

Who designed the coffee shop interior?

The interior was designed by ZWEI, an Australian architecture and interior design firm founded in 2006. They specialise in retail and hospitality spaces, and also created a temporary expo booth for Code Black Coffee.

What is unique about Code Black Coffee?

Code Black Coffee is known for its dark, artistic branding—including a logo featuring a smiling black skull with flowers—and its focus on sourcing quality beans directly from farms. The brand has a health-conscious image and appeals to a younger, style-conscious audience.

How did the architects make the old garage feel like a cafe?

ZWEI opened the roof for ventilation, installed seating along the walls, added a central wooden structure with a service counter below and storage above, and used natural light and warm wall tones to balance the industrial feel with a modern, relaxing atmosphere.

Why is Melbourne’s coffee market so particular?

Melbourne has had a strong coffee culture since the 1950s, when Italian espresso machines were introduced. Locals value expertise and consistency, making the city difficult for global chains like Starbucks to penetrate. New cafes must offer something distinctive to attract customers.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Industrial-Style Cafes

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